Key points
- High school girls run the 100m hurdles at 33″ and the 300m hurdles at 30″.
- High school boys run the 110m hurdles at 39″ and the 300m hurdles at 36″.
- The high school 300m hurdles has 8 hurdles and only 10 m from the last hurdle to the finish.
- Middle school specifications vary by state association.
Governing body: National Federation of State High School Associations
Last reviewed against source:
Most U.S. states follow NFHS rules, but each state association can adopt its own variations, especially for middle school. Check your state association's manual.
High school hurdle specifications
| Event | Division | Hurdles | Height | Start to H1 | Between | Last H to finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100m Hurdles | High school Girls | 10 | 33″ (0.838 m) | 13.00 m | 8.50 m | 10.50 m |
| 110m Hurdles | High school Boys | 10 | 39″ (0.991 m) | 13.72 m | 9.14 m | 14.02 m |
| 300m Hurdles | High school Girls | 8 | 30″ (0.762 m) | 45.00 m | 35.00 m | 10.00 m |
| 300m Hurdles | High school Boys | 8 | 36″ (0.914 m) | 45.00 m | 35.00 m | 10.00 m |
In feet and inches, the common high school measurements are 13.72 m ≈ 45 ft, 9.14 m ≈ 30 ft, 13.00 m ≈ 42 ft 8 in, 8.50 m ≈ 27 ft 10¾ in, 45 m ≈ 147 ft 7½ in and 35 m ≈ 114 ft 10 in, as listed on the UIL sheet.
Middle school and junior high
Middle school hurdle races and heights vary by state. Two examples from state association documents:
- Texas (UIL): junior high girls run the 100m hurdles at 30″ and junior high boys run the 110m hurdles at 36″, with standard spacing. UIL also notes that reduced distances may be used.
- Kansas (KSHSAA 2025-26 manual): the recommended 7th and 8th grade event is the 75m low hurdles at 30″, with 7 hurdles, 13 m to the first hurdle, 8.5 m between and 11 m to the finish.
Check your own state association’s manual before setting up a middle school meet.
High school vs. club track
A high-school athlete who also competes in club track may race at different specs:
| Event | High school (NFHS) | AAU / USATF 15–18 |
|---|---|---|
| Girls short hurdles | 100mH, 33″ | 100mH, 33″ |
| Boys short hurdles | 110mH, 39″ | 110mH, 39″ |
| Girls long hurdles | 300mH, 30″, 8 hurdles | 400mH, 30″, 10 hurdles |
| Boys long hurdles | 300mH, 36″, 8 hurdles | 400mH, 36″, 10 hurdles |
Coaching notes for high school hurdlers
- First-year hurdlers usually need reduced spacing and height in practice. Use the training spacing calculator.
- In the 300m hurdles, practice leading with either leg and running hurdles on the curve. See the 300m hurdles guide.
- Look up any single event in the Hurdle Height & Spacing Calculator.